1987 Les Pensees
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Tasting notes
The 1987 Les Pensées de Lafleur is a wine that I have tasted a few times before, though this is the first time in larger format. Format seems to make a considerable difference and, discussing with Baptiste Guinaudeau, we concurred that this would have easily passed as the Grand Vin. The nose is enticing and fully mature, quite saline and savoury with just a touch of Italian delicatessen. The palate is not complex but possesses real harmony and depth, Left Bank in style with cedar and pencil box on the satisfying finish. Delightful. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1987 Pensées de Lafleur is the maiden release, a vintage when Jacques Guinaudeau bravely decided that he would not release any Grand Vin. So, this is ostensibly the 1987 Lafleur and not a separate bottling from part of their vineyard like subsequent vintages. It offers candied orange peel on the nose, quite high-toned with blackberry and raspberry, becoming savoury and tertiary with time. The palate has moderate complexity, a little overawed by the Clos Rougeard served alongside, though with a fresh, if slightly attenuated finish. It’s a fascinating Pomerol, one I would choose to drink over the next five years since it’s beginning to look a bit ragged.
In '87, Lafleur declassified their entire crop into Pensées, their second wine. Surprisingly good, with wet earth, currant and smoke notes in a modest package. Charming and offering decent ripeness.--Château Lafleur vertical. Wine Spectator, 2000
About the producer
The Société Civile du Ch. Lafleur is the collective name for the Guinaudeau family’s wines and estates. These are some of the Right Bank’s most famous wines, including Ch. Lafleur and Les Pensées in Pomerol, along with Les Perrières, Les Champs Libres and Ch. Grand Village in Fronsac.